Monday, October 20, 2014

Egyptian Pharaoh Study: Ramses II

Today's Learning Objective Understand the significance of Ramses the Great

Warm-Up: What makes a great leader? Today I want you to consider what makes a leader great? What qualities do great leaders possess? What do great leaders do? Can you think of any examples of great leaders? Share your ideas here. Examining Ramses II from Multiple Sources Ramses II is considered by many to be the greatest leader in Ancient Egypt's history. But was he? In order to understand his significance we will be consider Ramses using multiple sources. We will examine a section from our Social Studies textbook, a primary source that includes Ramses's own words, a short documentary video, and finally a Powerpoint presentation designed by a teacher. By examining a text set composed of a variety of sources, my hope is that you will develop a more comprehensive understanding of this complex and remarkable figure from history.

You will use the document Ramses II Notes to document the important things you learn about him and his reign.

We will begin by reading an excerpt from our Social Studies textbook below.

Abu Simbel

Now we will read Ramses's own words (an example of a primary source), in which he blames his own troops for the failures of the Battle of Qadesh.

Ramses the Great and the Battle of Qadesh

Next, we will watch a video that takes a critical look at Ramses and cast him as essentially a propagandist who built shrines and monuments in his honor as a way of covering up his own failures. Is this a fair perspective?

Finally, let's check out a PowerPoint presentation designed by a fellow teacher, which tries to take a more balanced view of Ramses II.